In choosing the Caro-Kann, Black gives up the centre in exchange for easier development. In contrast to the French, the queen's bishop is not blocked, but the c6 square is no longer available for the knight. Black often aims to let white's pawns overextend, or develop a poor structure, and take advantage in the endgame.

White's natural move is now 2. d4 as nothing prevents him from building a strong center. Bobby Fischer sometimes played 2. Nf3 followed by 3. Nc3.